Residents of East Kootenay no longer need to worry about adjusting their clocks this fall. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board made a decisive 12-3 vote on Friday to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year and adopt mountain daylight time permanently. This choice aligns the region with Alberta’s time system rather than moving in sync with most of British Columbia.
The decision comes after a period of deliberation following the provincial announcement that most of British Columbia would discontinue seasonal time changes, leaving mountain time communities to determine their own course of action. Initially, the RDEK board had opted to transition affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, which would have synchronized them with the majority of British Columbia. However, this decision was later revoked due to public resistance and demands for increased consultation.
A regional survey was conducted by the RDEK, receiving over 14,000 responses. An overwhelming 89% of participants expressed a desire to cease the biannual clock changes and remain on a consistent time schedule throughout the year, with 66% preferring permanent mountain daylight time. Rob Gay, the RDEK board chair, emphasized that while the survey was influential, it was not the sole factor considered in reaching the final decision.
The ties between East Kootenay and Alberta were highlighted, with many residents and businesses having strong connections, particularly in areas like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Factors such as health, business operations, public safety, and school schedules were weighed before the board’s ultimate resolution. The desire for increased daylight in the evening was also a significant consideration stemming from the survey results.
Residents in the region, known for their outdoor pursuits, expressed a preference for more time after work and school to engage in activities like sports, fishing, and hiking. The sentiment of fatigue from adjusting clocks twice a year was pervasive, leading to the decision to halt this practice.
Looking ahead, when November arrives, East Kootenay residents will maintain their current time settings instead of reverting back as usual. The RDEK plans to inform neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A about their decision, as these areas still need to determine their time observance strategies. While the resolution may not satisfy all residents, the board took the matter seriously and anticipates that the community will adapt to the change smoothly.